Delhi Crime: The discovery of bodies of infants across Delhi has become a hauntingly frequent occurrence, painting a bleak picture of abandonment and systemic neglect. Whether floating in the murky waters of the Yamuna, left to decay in drains, or hidden away in city parks, these tragic cases are more than just statistics—they reveal the grim reality of a society struggling with deep-seated issues of gender discrimination, poverty, and lack of institutional support.
In 2023-24, the Delhi Police recorded 18 unidentified infant bodies. A year later, that number rose to 24—a 25% increase, according to data from the Zonal Integrated Police Network (ZIPNET). Behind these cold figures lie heartbreaking stories of infants who never had a chance at life, their existence erased before they could even be named.
Also read: Rising rental costs push Noida’s residents to the brink
The gender disparity in abandonment
While the overall rise in cases is alarming, the gender distribution among abandoned infants raises further concerns. In 2023-24, the total number of deceased male infants recovered was 13, while five were female. However, in 2024-25, while the number of abandoned male infants remained the same, the number of abandoned female infants more than doubled, rising to 11. This stark increase suggests that deep-rooted societal biases and gender-based discrimination continue to play a role in these tragedies.
On June 3, last year, a Delhi resident Neeraj Solanki, allegedly murdered his newborn twin daughters since he “desperately” wanted a son. He was caught in July after being on the run for over a month and is facing trial in the case.
A senior police official noted that establishing patterns in these cases is difficult, as some recovered bodies may have been abandoned years ago. “The rise in the number of female infant recoveries is concerning. Unfortunately, in most cases, the search for perpetrators ends with the discovery of the infant. Finding the parents is nearly impossible,” the official stated.
Unidentified bodies and the role of water bodies
Forensic experts highlight that several factors influence the rate of decomposition of a dead body. Dr Rakhi Agarwal, Dean at the National Forensic Sciences University, explained, “An infant’s body decomposes faster than an adult’s due to its higher water content and underdeveloped organs. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to water accelerate decomposition.”
She elaborated, “In freshwater bodies like the Yamuna River, decomposition is delayed because flowing water prevents bacteria from accumulating in one place. However, in stagnant water like drains, decomposition happens rapidly due to anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.”
Between January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, there was a 12.8% increase in unidentified dead bodies (UIDBs) found across Delhi, with figures rising from 3,862 in 2023-24 to 4,432 in 2024-25. Many of these bodies, including those of infants, are found near water bodies such as rivers, drains, and tube wells.
Water bodies accelerate decomposition, making identification nearly impossible. According to a senior police officer, “When a body is decomposed, even if it’s an adult, recognition is extremely difficult. With newborns, it becomes nearly impossible.”
The Yamuna River’s currents add another layer of complexity. “The large surface area makes it difficult to determine where the body originated. Additionally, the water degrades injury marks or distinguishing features that could help identify the infant,” the officer explained.
Other hotspots: Drains, Railway Stations, and Parks
Apart from water bodies, other sites have become frequent discovery points for abandoned infants.
Drains and sewers: Many infants recovered from these areas have their placentas still attached, indicating that they were abandoned immediately after birth. “If the placenta is intact, it suggests the infant was taken straight from birth, possibly from a hospital,” said an officer.
Railway stations: Stations like New Delhi Railway Station, Narela, and Adarsh Nagar have seen multiple cases of infants being left on tracks or abandoned on benches.
Parks: Public parks, once spaces of recreation, have now become grim dumping grounds. Locations such as Khubram Park in Prem Nagar, Deer Park in Hauz Khas, and Buddha Park in Wazirabad have frequently witnessed such incidents. Many of these infants are found hidden in bushes, discarded in trash bins, or concealed in isolated corners.
A senior police officer stated, “Parents abandoning these infants are fully aware of their actions. In many cases, it is outright infanticide. Parks, due to their lack of surveillance, allow perpetrators to escape accountability.”
Legal framework: Addressing infanticide
Section 93 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) criminalises acts done with the intent of preventing a child from being born alive or causing its death after birth. The law prescribes up to ten years of imprisonment or a fine, or both.
Previously, under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the same crime was outlined in Section 315, with similar penalties. While legal provisions exist, the challenge lies in enforcement, as in most cases, no perpetrator is identified.
NGOs working to prevent abandonment
Several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are working to prevent infant abandonment and provide care for abandoned children. The Delhi Council for Child Welfare (DCCW) introduced the Palna programme in 1978, which allows parents to anonymously leave their infants in a cradle outside the NGO’s facility.
Loraine Campos, Assistant Director at DCCW, explained, “The cradle is fitted with sensors that alert us when a baby is placed inside. We also receive children through the Child Welfare Committee, which works with police, hospitals, and clinics.”
Campos noted that many abandoned babies suffer from serious health issues. “Some parents drop their children off in the cradle but continue visiting them because they cannot afford to raise them. However, in cases of complete abandonment, several factors come into play.”
She cited sexism and disabilities as two major reasons for abandonment. “If a child is the third girl in a family, they are sometimes abandoned. Similarly, parents who discover their child has a disability may choose to leave them,” she said.
Psychological impact of abandonment
Beyond immediate survival, long term psychological effects impact abandoned children.
Anuna Bordoloi, consultant clinical psychologist at Fortis Healthcare, explained, “Socio-economic factors are a major reason behind abandonment, but gender discrimination also plays a significant role. However, as society evolves, attitudes towards the girl child may improve.”
She further noted, “Even if an infant survives abandonment physically, they often struggle emotionally. Many face self-esteem issues, trust difficulties, and an inability to form relationships. Therapy can help, but the psychological wounds of abandonment run deep.”
Similarly, Anushila Dutta, a psychologist at HULM Training and Development, highlighted, “A lack of parental support at an early stage can lead to long-term emotional damage. Many abandoned children develop trust issues, emotional instability, and difficulty expressing emotions. Healing takes time and requires strong support systems.”
Also read: FIITJEE centres shut down: Students left in the lurch
The adoption landscape: A hopeful contrast
Despite the grim reality of abandonment, adoption statistics offer a glimmer of hope. In 2023-24, a total of 4,029 adoptions took place across India, with 1,727 boys and 2,302 girls finding families. While this indicates progress, the sheer number of abandoned infants underscores the urgent need for stronger interventions and awareness campaigns.
An urgent need for action
The rising cases of infant abandonment in Delhi expose a deep societal crisis rooted in economic hardship, gender bias, and systemic neglect. While legal frameworks exist, enforcement remains weak, and most cases never see justice.
NGOs like DCCW’s Palna programme provide vital intervention, but the long-term solution requires a shift in societal attitudes. Improved education, financial support for struggling families, and stronger adoption awareness programmes could help curb this tragedy.
According to the Delhi Police, two dead infants were found abandoned at DCCW’s cradle at Qudsia Bagh — one of them was found on September 1, 2024, while the other was found on May 20, 2023.
For now, though, the haunting reality remains: too many new borns in Delhi never get a chance at life, their stories lost in the depths of a river, the silence of a park, or the shadows of a railway station.
